Post navigation

Q) What is parvo? A) Parvo is a life-threatening illness that is caused by a virus that affects the gastro-intestinal system. The virus is highly contagious and stable in the environment, and can live for months or years given the right conditions. The signs of parvo are sudden onset of lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, and usually bloody diarrhea. Treatment of the… Read more »

Q) Is antifreeze toxic to my cat or dog? A) Yes, antifreeze is very toxic to animals. The toxic component is ethylene glycol. It takes as little as 1 teaspoon to sicken a cat, and 4-5 times that to make a dog sick. Without treatment, the mortality rate is high. If you believe your pet has ingested antifreeze, he or… Read more »

Q) How important is flea control here in Western Oregon? Do I have to use flea control in the winter? A) Yes, flea control is important in Western Oregon, and should be used all year round. In our practice, we have been seeing animals with severe flea problems, even over the winter. Flea bites are uncomfortable for your pet, and… Read more »

Q) Is chocolate toxic to pets? A) This depends on the type of chocolate that is ingested – milk chocolate, dark chocolate or unsweetened chocolate. Unsweetened (baker’s) chocolate is 10 times more toxic than milk chocolate. It takes about 1 ounce of milk chocolate per pound of body weight to cause toxicity in a dog, whereas 1 ounce of unsweetened chocolate… Read more »

Q) Is dental care important for my pet? A) Yes, for multiple reasons. Most pets will have periodontal disease by the time they are four years old. This worsens with age, and can lead to serious medical problems, including heart, liver or kidney failure. In small dogs, these problems often happen earlier in life; often teeth are being lost by… Read more »